History of Africa
The history of Africa weaves through ancient civilizations, colonial legacies, and nation-states.
The history of Africa begins with the emergence of hominids. The history of Africa continues unbroken into the present as a patchwork of diverse and politically developing nation-states. The earliest recorded history arose in Ancient Egypt, and later in Nubia, the Sahel, the Maghreb, and the Horn of Africa.
Following the desertification of the Sahara, North African history became intertwined with the Middle East and Southern Europe, while the Bantu expansion swept across much of the sub-Saharan continent in waves between around 1000 BC and 0 AD, creating a linguistic commonality across much of the central and Southern continent.
During the Middle Ages, Islam spread west from Arabia to Egypt, crossing the Maghreb and the Sahel. Some notable pre-colonial states and societies in Africa include the Ajuran Empire, D’mt, Adal Sultanate, Alodia, Warsangali Sultanate, Kingdom of Nri, Nok culture, Mali Empire, Songhai Empire, Benin Empire, Oyo Empire, Kingdom of Lunda (Punu-yaka), Ashanti Empire, Ghana Empire, Mossi Kingdoms, Mutapa Empire, Kingdom of Mapungubwe, Kingdom of Sine, Kingdom of Sennar, Kingdom of Saloum, Kingdom of Baol, Kingdom of Cayor, Kingdom of Zimbabwe, Kingdom of Kongo, Empire of Kaabu, Kingdom of Ile Ife, Ancient Carthage, Numidia, Mauretania, and the Aksumite Empire. At its peak, prior to European colonialism, it is estimated that Africa had up to 10,000 different states and autonomous groups with distinct languages and customs.
The Arab slave trade, commencing in the mid-7th century, saw Muslim Arabs enslave Africans, transporting them across the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Sahara Desert. This was part of a larger, tragic narrative that expanded in the late 15th century when Europeans, led by the Portuguese, entered the slave trade, creating complex trading networks that included the infamous triangular trade system. The Portuguese first traded for slaves before resorting to force, marking the beginning of the extensive Atlantic slave trade.
The Scramble for Africa from 1881 to 1914 marked a rapid increase in European colonization, with European control expanding from about 10% of Africa in 1870 to over 90% by 1914. However, the aftermath of the Second World War weakened European powers, setting the stage for widespread decolonization. This pivotal era, notably in 1960, known as the “Year of Africa,” saw numerous African nations achieve independence, reshaping the continent’s political landscape into what it is today.
General Knowledge Base
General information about the History of Africa.
Africa is dotted with iconic historical landmarks that narrate its storied past. The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe, the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia, and the storied city of Timbuktu in Mali are just a few examples. These sites not only showcase Africa’s architectural and cultural prowess but also serve as symbols of its enduring heritage and historical significance.
Throughout its history, Africa has been the stage for pivotal events, from the flourishing of the Great Zimbabwe civilization and the expansive Mali Empire under Mansa Musa to the vibrant trade hubs along the Swahili coast and the influential Kingdom of Axum. The continent also grappled with the impacts of colonialism and spirited independence movements, which led to the emergence of modern African nations. Figures such as Nelson Mandela, Kwame Nkrumah, and Julius Nyerere were instrumental in driving these transformative changes.
African kingdoms and empires were integral to extensive trade networks, facilitating the exchange of goods like gold, ivory, salt, textiles, and spices both within the continent and globally. Diplomatic ties, cultural exchanges, and occasional conflicts also characterized their interactions with other civilizations. The renowned pilgrimage of Mansa Musa to Mecca is a prime example of Africa’s historical connections to the global stage.
African societies employed various forms of resistance against European colonial rule, including military conflicts, such as the Zulu wars against the British in South Africa, and strategic diplomacy and alliances. Spiritual and cultural resistance also played a role, as seen in the Maji Maji Rebellion in Tanzania.
The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, convened by European powers, led to the formal partition of Africa among colonial powers without African representation. This event drastically altered the political landscape of Africa, setting the stage for the boundaries and conflicts that continue to influence the continent.
